The grieving family of a BBC radio reporter who committed suicide last night
blamed Corporation bosses for failing to stop his death.

Russell Joslin, 50, died on Monday afternoon after he was admitted to a mental health hospital following a failed suicide bid two days earlier.

The popular reporter had worked for BBC Coventry and Warwickshire since the mid-90s but yesterday his family claimed he had been harassed by a female colleague.

His father, former chief constable of Warwickshire Police Peter Joslin, 78, who served for 44 years and was Britain's longest serving police chief, called for an inquiry into Russell's death.

Speaking from the family home in Kenilworth, Warks., Mr Joslin said: "I do blame the BBC for Russell's death. "I believe he was not listened to when he flagged up his concerns and was repeatedly ignored by his bosses.

"His working conditions at the BBC, where he had worked happily for many years, had become intolerable."

According to the family, Russell, who was single, was alledgedly harassed by a female colleague at the BBC after he spurned her advances.

He had spent three months off work through stress and anxiety but had recently returned two days a week.

"He wanted to move to a different station with the BBC but was told he couldn't do that until he was working full time.

"He had time off earlier this year but to me, the BBC ignored his concerns and refused to listen to him."

Mr Joslin, who also has a grown-up son, Stephen, 48, and daughter Angela, 39, said: "He took his work very seriously and this year for the first time I noticed he was very unhappy at work. We noticed a change in his demeanour.

"As a family we would welcome an investigation because there are certain things Russell was unhappy about, and if there is something that needs to be looked at, his employers should take it seriously so that we can establish ourselves what has happened."

An inquest into Russell's death was opened and adjourned yesterday in Leamington Spa, Warks.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire's news editor Sue Curtis, who had known the reporter for nearly 20 years, said he had brought "considerable talents to the BBC" and that he had been "an amazing creative talent".

Last night, a BBC spokesman said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with Russell Joslin's family at this sad time.

"This is a difficult time for everyone who knew him. The BBC is committed to working constructively with the family to ensure that their concerns are vigorously addressed.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further until the facts are established."